Whispers of a Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao rematch in 2026 have boxing buzzing, but the hype smells more like a nostalgia-fueled ATM withdrawal than a pulse-pounding prizefight.
The Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger dropped the bomb Monday: Netflix is “exploring” the sequel to their 2015 “Fight of the Century,” a $600 million blockbuster that didn’t quite live up to the hype. Mayweather won a clear unanimous decision amid Pacquiao’s claiming his shoulder was injured.
A Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao rematch – more than 10 years after the first meeting – is being explored to take place next year as another Netflix boxing event, sources tell @ringmagazine. Pacquiao returned to boxing in July with a draw vs. Mario Barrios in a title fight. pic.twitter.com/9vQaGqfapx
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) October 27, 2025
A decade later, with Mayweather turning 49 and Pacquiao 47, what’s left in the tanks? Precious little, skeptics argue. Mayweather, 50-0 but retired since 2017, has stayed in shape by fighting in exhibitions against YouTubers and reality stars — think John Gotti III last February. Flashy, sure, but real opposition? Absent.
Pacquiao’s July comeback? A majority draw with WBC welterweight champ Mario Barrios, 29. Manny landed harder shots, many scored it for him, but the fade was evident: slower feet, less pop. Title No. 9 slipped away.
A younger Pacquiao would have knocked out Barrios viciously in less than six rounds, but this version just did enough for the draw.
Why is This Even Being Discussed?
Like most things in life, it comes down to money. Both Mayweather and Pacquiao live extravagant lifestyles in different ways and could use an influx of cash. Netflix has been funding Jake Paul’s career and craves star power. Ditch PPV; stream to billions. Saudi cash or Vegas glitz could bank another fortune. Promoters salivate; egos align over checks.
Fans? Split. Excitement flickers — “Pac redemption!” — drowned by memes of wheelchaired warriors. “Boxing thinks we’re desperate,” blasted one outlet. X erupted: “Geriatric grift” vs. “Sign me up!”
No one is going to blame Mayweather or Pacquiao for getting paid, but don’t expect much if it does happen.
This ain’t 2015. It’s 2026: creaky knees, cautious jabs, zero stakes. Fireworks? Nah. Fleecing? Absolutely.
